As revealed by the Irish Independent on Monday, he also strongly suggested that the offer made to the Racing Metro player is a four year deal that would take him up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

"The Jonny Sexton thing has got huge media exposure, myself and Philip Browne(CEO of the IRFU) have met Jonny and put an offer on the table to John," Mick Dawson said at the announcement of a new four-year sponsorship deal with Bank of Ireland.

"I'm sure he's getting offers from Toulon and Racing Metro and Jon has said in his last interview that he's made up his mind and we're waiting on his decision.

Dawson admitted that the nature of how Jonny's move to Racing last year was handled was regrettable.

"We both acknowledge that we didn't handle things as well as we could the last time," he added "That's all behind us now and we'll just have to wait and see. The talks were very friendly.

The Leinster chief would not be drawn on the figures involved in the negotiations or if a third party figure was involved in the financing of the deal.

"Talking about personal details about fellas contracts is unfair. We work closely with the IRFU and that's the way we do our business."

He confirmed that a four year offer had been made to the 29-year-old and that Joe Schmidt may have had a role in persuading Sexton to return "Initially we wouldn't have thought of four. I suppose it makes sense to take him up to the next World Cup. That's on the table for Jon," he said.

"Joe would have a very good relationship with Jonny. If there was any influence to bear, he could bear it there."